John Kerry's call to Nawaz Sharief post Pathankot attacks

Post Pathankot attack, John Kerry, the US Secretary of State calls his slave Nawaz Sharief (the president of United States won't call the Paki PM, unless it is absolutely necessary). Nawaz Sharief promises to enquire against the perpetrators. As far as America is concerned, a turmoil in the eastern border of their pet dog Pakistan is something of a nuisance, in a year when the Obama administration is hell bent on leaving Afghanistan. So they want to do something to assuage the feeling of India, while keeping their long trusted non-NATO ally against terrorism, i.e., Pakistan in good humor, doing their best to avoid a conflict. It's a role of diplomatic trapeze artist of balancing act, which they have played before and are experts doing so.

To pacify Pakistan is no big deal for them. in worst case scenario a couple of billion dollars thrown as crumbs, same as couple of chicken pieces thrown at a pariah dog. It can and will bring the beggar Pakis in line, with a promise not to escalate any further, at least until US leaves Afghanistan. If things get too hot, at best Pakistan can arrest Masood Azhar as a token gesture, with the later enjoying full facilities and running his operation from the comforts of his jail.

India is a different ball game altogether. It's certainly not Pakistan. Though a proved soft nation, its a burgeoning economy, its AUKAAT (ability) is far different from Pakistan. But USA knows how to assuage its feelings to keep all quite on the eastern front. They will make a few flattering calls from Obama and few visits from John Kerry. We are very prone to flattering and can easily break on diplomatic niceties.

Also the shrewd American State Department is champion working behind the scene, assuaging the feelings of those who matter in India. They know the weak link in the most powerful of Indian power structure -  the Indian bureaucrats, who unlike politicians are permanent features of the government, not accountable every 5 years, having a free hand until they reach the age of 60. The promise of a seat in a good American University for their kids and jobs prospects in US Multinationals can do wonders (Yes, my observation is, even the stubbornly anti-Americans back home have no qualms about sending their kids to America). It has worked before, it could work again.